Microphone picks up star’s epic final quip

Tears were falling everywhere as several champions of the game walked off the field for the final time, but one cheeky star couldn’t help himself.

Jack Riewoldt and Shaun Burgoyne. Photo: Kayo.

Emotions were running high after the full time siren at the MCG as Shaun Burgoyne, Bachar Houli and David Astbury walked off the field for the final time after their clash finished in a bonkers draw.

Richmond kicked the last five goals to snatch an extraordinary draw from Hawks coach Alastair Clarkson and veteran Burgoyne in their final game in brown and gold.

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The Tigers drew level with just seconds remaining as Jack Riewoldt kicked his second consecutive goal with a kick that left Burgoyne desperately stretching out to rush it through for a point. He came up just inches short of saving the game for Hawthorn, but replays showed the ball had clearly crossed the line before he could reach it.

Jack Riewoldt and Shaun Burgoyne. Photo: Kayo.

After the full time siren, players from both teams flocked around Burgoyne as they congratulated the 38-year-old on his marathon career.

A Fox Footy microphone was able to pick up the audio of the exchanges between rival players and the mic picked up a hilarious quip from Riewoldt as he embraced Burgoyne in a hug for the final time on the field.

“I sort of wish you’d touched it in the end,” Riewoldt said of Burgoyne’s near-miss.

“Well done mate, I’ll miss you. What a life mate, well done.”

David Astbury breaks down in tears. Photo: Kayo.

There were emotions for both clubs with Richmond also farewelling Astbury and Houli.

Astbury became emotional during his post-match interview when speaking about Houli’s impact on his teammates.

“As a player, the footy community, they understand how important he’s been for us for a very, very long time,” Astbury said.

“But the AFL community and wider community, he’s just been an icon, he’s someone that I’ve really looked up to (pauses), and I really love him.

David Astbury with Bachar Houli. Photo: Kayo.

“It’s been a hell of a ride with him and the footy world’s lost a great person but our friendship will live on, so I’m really excited by that.”

it was a fitting outcome for Clarkson, Astbury, Burgoyne and Bachar Houli with none of the champions of the game deserving to leave it on losing terms. The clash was the first ever draw between Hawthorn and Richmond.

— with NewsWire’s James Mottershead